Marieholmstunnel. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christiansen, Susanne; Schou-Bojesen, Thomas; Kasper, Thomas; Louis, Bard; Hof, Christiane
• Is Part Of: Tunnelling and underground space technology. Volume 122(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Immersed tunnel -- Construction pit -- Construction in urban environment -- Deep clay; Tunneling -- Periodicals; Underground construction -- Periodicals; Tunnels -- Periodicals; Underground areas -- Periodicals; 624.193
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2021.104286
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-7798

Abstract

Highlights: Immersed tunnel in Gothenburg, Sweden, with three 102 m long elements. Urban construction with limited space, difficult transport logistics, ship traffic. Soil conditions with 60–100 m of soft clay layer, difficult deep excavations. Construction pit with steel tubes, underwater excavation and underwater bottom slab. Tunnel elements temporarily supported on steel piles while being sandflowed. Abstract: The Marieholm tunnel is a part of the Marieholm Connection Project, which connects the Port of Gothenburg and the Industries at Hisingen with the central part of Gothenburg. The closed section is 500 m long with three traffic lanes in each direction. This paper presents some of the main decisions and challenges, which shaped the construction of the Marieholm project. The challenge of the project was construction in the city with limited space and difficult transport logistics together with ongoing ship traffic. Both up and down stream an existing tunnel and bridges limited transportation width and depth. Soil conditions with 60–100 m of soft (Gothenburg) clay layer made deep excavations difficult. The immersed tunnel was constructed as three 102 m long elements constructed one after the other in a dry dock within the alignment. The construction pit was built with steel tubes as retaining walls, underwater excavation and a bottom slab cast underwater. During construction wall deflection, bottom heave and strut forces were closely monitored. The tunnel elements were temporarily supported on steel piles while being sandflowed.